The D’Youville Department of Athletics announced the hiring of Kerri Brace as the department’s new Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Administration and Senior Women Administrator in July of 2024.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ona Halladay said. "Kerri has an extensive coaching career in high-level athletics. She's going to bring some good energy, good ideas and elevate and support our student-athletes. She is going to be someone who will be very supportive of our coaching staff as we all are here. She's going to be a great fit and I'm excited to have her here."
Brace comes to DYU after a decorated coaching career at Canisius University as the institution's women's rowing head coach for the past six years. During her tenure with the Griffs, Brace had 13 rowers earn All-MAAC honors for their performance in the boat, including four All-MAAC First Team honorees. Brace also had six rowers named Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association All-Conference during her tenure.
Prior to Canisius, Brace spent eight years in various roles with the University at Buffalo rowing program, including the Bulls' interim head coach during the 2016-17 campaign.
Brace played a key role in the grow of the Bulls' rowing program, helping the Lightweight Four clinch a spot in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship for the first time in program history, earning a bronze medal.
Brace previously served as the head coach at Buffalo's Nardin Academy, leading the Lightweight Eight boat to the New York Scholastic Championship in 2008 and 2009, as well as a gold medal at the Canadian National Championship in 2007. Brace graduated from Canisius in 2022 with a Masters of Sports Administration. Brace graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science – Management Information Systems from Mercyhurst University in 2005. As a two-time captain of the Lakers' rowing program, Brace competed at the NCAA Division II National Championships in 2003, 2004, and 2005. During the 2004 season, Brace and her teammates captured the first National Championship in Mercyhurst athletics history. For their accomplishments, Brace and her 2004 teammates were inducted into the Mercyhurst Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.
"I am extremely thankful to Dr. Clemo, Ona Halladay and everyone involved in the search process for giving me this opportunity at D'Youville University," Brace added. "I look forward to working with the coaches, student-athletes and the entire D'Youville community as we continue to make stides in DYU athletics and beyond. Go Saints!"
